North Korea blew up sections of the roads connecting it to South Korea on Tuesday, October 15, leading to a “counter-fire” operation by Seoul’s military. Kim Jong Un declared the South as the country’s “principal enemy,” prompting North Korea to lay mines and build barriers along the border.
Seoul was accused of using drones for propaganda leaflets, and North Korea retaliated by destroying parts of inter-Korean roads. This move signifies Kim’s unwillingness to negotiate with the South, experts say, and may be a preemptive step to erect more physical barriers along the border.
Drones
Seoul has denied sending drones northwards but activist groups have used drones and balloons to send propaganda across the border. North Korea has also sent drones southwards, leading to tensions between the two countries.
The relationship between North and South Korea is strained, with potential for further drone-related provocations. Seoul’s deployment of drone-melting lasers and North Korea’s threats to shut the border have heightened tensions between the two nations.